5 Family Offices Investing in Real Estate

1. Stiles Family Office

Founded in 1951 and based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the Stiles Family Office is a prominent single-family office with an estimated AUM between $400 million and $1 billion. With a multi-generational leadership team and a bold claim as "the only real estate company you’ll ever need," Stiles boasts an impressive portfolio of over 52 million square feet of property.

Roughly 10% of their capital is invested directly into real estate, while the remainder is allocated toward third-party engagements. However, despite this diversification on paper, their direct investment activity reveals a focused strategy: 26 of their 27 most recent investments have been in real estate or retail. This concentrated approach hasn’t hindered their success, in fact, it has cemented their reputation as a dominant force in Florida's real estate market.

Stiles’ longstanding relationships with major firms like Publix, Starwood Hotels, and the Miami Dolphins Stadium speak to their influence across the region. While their primary footprint remains in South Florida, recent expansions into North Carolina and Tennessee signal a willingness to explore new markets.

In 2022 alone, the family office made several significant acquisitions, including 72nd & Park in Miami for $98 million, the Shalimar Apartment Complex, and the Whitfield Hotel on Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale. The Whitfield acquisition, in particular, reinforces their deep-rooted presence in Fort Lauderdale, where the Stiles name has been synonymous with real estate development for decades.

With a refined investment strategy, a decorated portfolio, and a reputation for excellence, the Stiles Family Office continues to shape the real estate landscape of the Southeast and beyond.

2. Pontegadea Investments (Amancio Ortega Family Office)

Founded in 2001, Pontegadea is the family office of Amancio Ortega, founder of Zara and former CEO of Inditex. Backed by Ortega’s 59% stake in Inditex, the firm manages significant cash flow with a strong focus on commercial real estate and logistics assets across North America and Europe.

For over two decades, Pontegadea has prioritized high-value urban real estate. Notable acquisitions include Kiara Tower in Seattle for $323M in 2022 and 19 Dutch Street in NYC for $487.5M, both located in thriving, high-footfall areas near Zara stores.

In 2023, Pontegadea acquired a 1.1M sq. ft. warehouse in Venlo, Netherlands, serving DSV A/S, and a Walmart Distribution Center near Los Angeles, adding another 340,000+ sq. ft. to its portfolio. With a strategy rooted in relevance and return, Pontegadea continues to build a global footprint across key real estate and infrastructure markets.

3. Wates Group (Wates Family Office)

Founded in 1897 by Edward Wates, Wates Group began as a construction firm in Leatherhead, England and has evolved into one of the UK’s leading real estate and infrastructure investors. With roots in civil engineering and system builds—including D-Day pre-cast structures—the firm remains deeply focused on British projects. In 2022, Wates reported a $40.6M profit on $3.4B in revenue.

Recent investments highlight Wates’ growing presence in sustainable industrial and residential development. In June 2022, the firm invested $39.5M in Oxfordshire’s National Quantum Computing Centre, providing lab and office space for quantum research. Similarly, its $505M investment in the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) supports EV production through a partnership with Nissan UK and includes plans for 1M+ sq. ft. of future development.

Wates also prioritizes residential and affordable housing. In May 2022, the firm acquired the Woodlands Development near Bristol, allocating $1.9M to local education and community support. In December 2021, Wates secured the Throstle Rec housing project in Leeds for $53.2M, which includes energy-efficient construction and biodiversity-friendly infrastructure.

4. Cheyne Capital Management

Founded in 2000 by Jonathan Lourie and Stuart Fiertz, Cheyne Capital is a London-based multi-family office and registered investment advisor with a hedge fund-style approach focused on proactive, high-return strategies. With $11B in AUM, Cheyne allocates $5B to real estate, concentrating on non-cyclical assets like mid-market and affordable housing.

The firm is highly active in Western Europe, particularly in the UK and Ireland, with a strong emphasis on ESG-compliant debt financing. In June 2024, Cheyne financed $111M for The Shipping Office in Dublin’s Silicon Docks, transforming a historic port into a modern mixed-use space along the River Liffey. In April 2023, Cheyne provided $187M to refinance Winchester House in London, home to Deutsche Bank, with a full ESG-aligned interior redesign.

Cheyne is also expanding into Nordic markets, allocating $65.7M in February 2023 to support the renovation of Hotel Maria in Helsinki, a historic property being developed into a luxury tourism destination.

Mixed-use developments are a core part of Cheyne’s strategy. In March 2023, they backed Borough Yards near London Bridge with $145.5M, aiming to revitalize the underused retail potential in a high-traffic area. Another major project includes the $233.8M financing of Regal London in May 2022, an affordable and market-rate housing project near Wembley Stadium with green space and sustainable infrastructure.

5. Crow Holdings

Founded in 1948 by Trammell Crow, Crow Holdings is a Dallas-based multi-family office and RIA managing approximately $16B in AUM, with 78% of its portfolio dedicated to real estate. From its early developments like the Old Trinity Basin and Dallas Market Center, the firm has grown into a national player known for its focus on industrial, retail, and multifamily assets, and its commitment to genuine partnerships, often co-investing alongside other family offices and LPs.

Crow Holdings maintains a strong emphasis on industrial real estate. Recent highlights include the South Cargo Logistics Hub in Milwaukee—a 288,000 sq. ft. facility developed on a former Air Force base, offering direct tarmac access and connectivity via I-94. In February 2023, the firm also acquired the Otay Business Park near San Diego for $165M, a cross-border logistics site featuring 325 dock-high loadings. Another industrial acquisition includes a $24M site in Coral Gables, FL, purchased in partnership with Carlyle Group and backed by a $72.1M Comerica Bank loan, with plans to redevelop it for industrial use.

Beyond industrial assets, Crow is also expanding into residential real estate. In October 2022, the firm closed a $105M deal for Alexan 1700 in St. Petersburg, FL, a mixed-use project with 267 apartment units, retail space, and a unique model that allows local retailers to own their units, blending community support with long-term investment potential.

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